US10850337B2 - Apparatus and method for severing and inserting collated T-Nuts - Google Patents

Abstract

A continuous strip of T-Nuts formed on a common strip of metal. Each T-Nut of the strip of T-Nuts is integrally connected to the next adjacent T-Nut by carry tabs. The carry tabs can be frangible themselves or contain a frangible portion. Each T-Nut includes a cylindrical bore therein and a threaded interior. A mechanism feeds and severs the endmost T-Nut in endwise fashion. The mechanism to feed and sever the endmost T-Nut includes a cutting blade positioned vertically below the frangible portion of the carry tab. A shearing ram having a guide positioned axially in line with the cylindrical bore in the endmost T-Nut is adapted to move vertically from an upper to a lower position to engage the cutting blade with the frangible portion and sever the endmost T-Nut.

Description

This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/433,300 filed Jan. 17, 2011. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/433,300 filed Jan. 17, 2011 is incorporated in its entirety by reference hereto.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention is in the field of fasteners.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing collated fasteners are manufactured and then collated using a secondary process. One process uses a progressive die method to cut the T-Nuts off from the steel or stainless steel strip and then tap the threads in a secondary process. The secondary process commonly uses glue to hold the fasteners together for later dispensation. Fasteners which are glued together include staples, nails, screws, clips, etc.

One known method for collating T-Nuts includes adhering the T-Nuts to tape and rolling them into a coil during a secondary operation.FIG. 13 is aview1300 illustrating a priorart backing strip1301 securing individual T-Nuts1302 thereto by means of adhesive as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,843.FIG. 13A is aview1300A illustrating a prior art device illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,843 withwires1304,1305 welded to individual T-Nuts1302.

Presently known methods of collating T-Nuts using tape have several disadvantages. First, T-Nuts can easily become detached or ‘unstuck’ from the tape. Factors such as temperature and humidity can have an adverse reaction on the adhesive properties of tape. Second, taped T-Nuts on a coil do not withstand impact well. Common forces involved with activities such as shipping and/or handling can cause T-Nuts to detach. Third, the tape is flexible and the coil of T-Nuts does not have very rigid structure. Tape coiled T-Nuts must be laid-out and kept flat. If they are moved into a vertical angle they can lose their coiled form and begin to unravel. All current methods of collating T-Nuts involve a secondary process to collate the fasteners.

In the most common manufacture of individual T-Nuts, a band or metal strip of steel is drawn wherein the barrels of the T-Nuts are formed. Once the barrels of the T-Nuts are formed, the T-Nuts are severed from the strip. Threads are then tapped in the barrels of the T-Nuts and prongs may be added if not previously formed in the drawing step.

In a less common manufacture of individual T-Nuts, a band or metal strip of steel is drawn wherein the barrels of a plurality of T-Nuts are formed and then multiple spindles tap the plurality of barrels of T-Nuts while they are still integral with the metal strip. Thereafter, prongs (pawls) of the are formed on the T-Nuts and the individual T-Nuts are severed from the band or metal strip.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed method of collating T-Nuts does not involve a secondary process. Because the disclosed method taps the T-Nuts while they are still on and integral with the metal strip a secondary process is not necessary. Collation of fasteners is used to ease the installation process of the fasteners. When fasteners are collated they are correctly assembled and consistently arranged in a fixed orientation. Formed and collated T-Nuts arranged in a steel strip are used in conjunction with T-Nut delivery system.

The invention includes a plurality of collated T-Nuts that reside in a steel strip. The collated T-Nuts are installed by automation equipment that shears individual T-Nuts from the coil. T-Nuts are commonly installed into, but not limited to, the following materials: wood, particle board, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), plywood, and various plastics.

Any reasonable thickness, width, and length strip of low carbon steel or stainless steel may be used to form T-Nuts collated by carry tabs between the flanges of each T-nut. In other words, the T-Nuts are formed in and from a continuous metal strip. Carry tabs include a frangible portion which enables severing of the T-Nuts.

The T-Nuts may take many forms. They may have a straight barrel or the barrel may have a stepped exterior. The barrel may be tapered. The barrel may include a counterbore therein and the counterbore may be threaded or unthreaded. A bore through the T-Nut may be fully threaded completely therethrough. Alternatively, the bore through the T-Nut may be partially threaded therethrough. The barrel length can vary. Threads may be any size and fit of imperial or metric standards.

Barrels can have the option of having skives on them. Skives cause the T-Nut to twist upon insertion and help increase retention of the T-Nut in the component. This type of T-Nut is known as a Propell nut. The Propell T-Nut has various flange sizes and geometries. The flanges may have various features such as prongs, holes, and welding bosses of any size and configuration. Carry tabs are used to connect each T-Nut to another. Carry tabs are either frangible themselves or include a frangible portion. Size, shape and location of the carry tabs can vary. All T-nut configurations disclosed herein may have various flange sizes and geometries.

These steel or stainless steel coil T-Nuts are manufactured using a progressive die method. This process starts with a coil of steel or stainless steel being fed into a press containing several stages of dies. The dies draw the steel or stainless steel at several locations and form barrels.

After the barrels are formed the steel or stainless steel strip advances to a station where the barrels are tapped. After the barrels are tapped the strip is cut to form the flange shape and carry tab. Many different shapes and configurations of the flanges and carry tabs are disclosed herein.

The next stage of the process is to form flange features such as prongs, holes, or bosses. This stage is typically carried out in conjunction with cutting the T-Nut from the strip. Dies also create other features such as prongs (pawls) and apertures in the metal strip. In order to keep the T-Nuts collated on the coil, the prongs will be formed but the carry tab will remain intact. Instead of using the carry tab, other structure such as a railing or plural rails may be used to hold the T-Nuts together. After this the T-Nuts can be rolled up securely into a coil and the coil is sufficiently rigid so that the coil does not unravel.

Steel or stainless steel coil T-Nuts have advantages over individual detached T-Nuts. Complete manufacturing is executed in one single operation or series of operations. T-Nuts are formed, tapped, and rolled up on a coil without requiring any secondary operations. The time to produce T-Nuts decreases and production costs are reduced. Because T-Nuts are collated on a coil they can be wound up on a reel instead of being packaged in cardboard boxes, which reduces packaging costs. Some T-Nuts have geometries that typically present feeding issues in vibratory bowls and tracks. Collated T-Nuts of the invention simplify the feeding process by eliminating the need for a vibratory bowl and track. T-Nut machines that feed T-Nuts using a vibratory bowl and track can experience feeding issues in a dusty/dirty environment.

T-Nut users in woodworking related industries experience problems with sawdust. Sawdust in the atmosphere can settle on the T-Nuts and cause jamming in vibratory bowls and tracks. Collated T-Nuts on a steel or stainless steel coil do not require vibratory bowls and tracks, therefore eliminating potential jamming. The collated parts disclosed herein that are fed into automation equipment do not require an electrical vibratory system to feed parts. Steel or stainless steel coil T-Nuts can be easily fed into automation equipment.

The need for lifting boxes of individual T-Nuts and pouring them into a vibratory machine hopper is eliminated by the invention. Multiple steel or stainless steel coils of the T-Nuts rolled up into a coil as disclosed herein can be stored directly on the machine frame and easily reloaded as needed. Also, since the T-Nut coils disclosed herein are stable, a larger coil can be loaded onto a pallet reel and fed into an installation machine to run even larger quantities of T-Nuts before having to reload.

Installation of steel or stainless steel coil T-Nuts is automated. To automate the installation of the steel or stainless steel coil T-Nuts, a feeding system is utilized to advance the T-Nuts. Some slack must be available to allow the T-Nuts to advance.

The T-Nuts on the coil, once completely formed, are advanced using a pneumatic cylinder(s) to push/pull the T-Nuts. The pneumatic cylinder is fitted with an engaging tool. In one example, the barrels of the T-Nuts may be engaged by the engaging tool.

When in position a shearing in-body will push the T-Nuts downward over the blade shearing an individual T-Nut from the strip. Once sheared from the strip, the detached T-Nut is free to be advanced further down and into the pilot hole of the component (substrate).

A method of making a continuous length of integrally connected T-Nuts is disclosed and claimed. The method includes the steps of: selecting a continuous length of deformable metal material which is generally flat in configuration and which has first and second side portions and top and bottom portions; introducing the deformable metal material progressively into successive die stations which act to successively form spaced and generally hollow cylindrical configurations on the upper surface of the metal material of successively greater diameter and axial length; moving the generally cylindrical configurations successively to another station whereat threads are formed on a hollow interior thereof; moving the threaded generally cylindrical configurations progressively to a still further station wherein heads are formed for the T-Nuts in the nature of flanges which define the perimeter of the heads and also form carry tabs, the carry tabs are frangible connections or include frangible connections between adjacent T-Nuts; and, arranging the integrally connected T-Nuts into a tight helical configuration for shipment or for manufacturing use.

Additionally, the method may include the steps of: feeding the continuous length of integrally connected T-Nuts into proximity of its use and severing the endmost T-Nut from the length of T-Nuts; and, attaching the severed endmost T-Nut to a substrate, the step of attaching the severed endmost T-Nut to a substrate includes inserting the cylindrical configuration thereof into a cylindrical opening in the substrate. Still additionally, the method includes the steps of: forming prongs, holes and/or bosses on the flanges.

The apparatus of a continuous length of integrally connected T-Nuts is disclosed and claimed as well. The apparatus of a continuous length of integrally connected T-Nuts, includes: a continuous length of deformable metal material which is generally flat in configuration; the continuous length of deformable metal material includes first and second side portions, a top portion and a bottom portion; a plurality of spaced and generally hollow cylindrical configurations extending vertically from the top portion of the metal member; the generally hollow cylindrical portions include interior threads therein; wall means on each of the T-Nuts defining a head therefor, the wall means further defines a carry tab intermediate adjacent T-Nuts, and, the carry tab comprises a weakened connection between the adjacent T-Nuts for ease in separating the T-Nuts. The apparatus may further include T-Nuts having prongs, holes and/or bosses formed on the head/flange.

Another example of a continuous length of integrally connected T-Nuts, includes: a continuous length of deformable metal material which is generally flat in configuration; the continuous length of deformable metal material includes first and second side portions, a top portion and a bottom portion; a plurality of spaced and generally hollow cylindrical configurations on each of the T-Nuts extending vertically from the top portion of the metal member, the generally hollow cylindrical portions include a bore therethrough with interior threads therein, and, the generally hollow cylindrical portions of the T-Nuts defining barrels therefor, wall means on each of the T-Nuts defining a head or flange therefor, and, the wall means further define a continuous rail interconnecting said T-Nuts.

An apparatus for severing a T-Nut from the end of a strip of T-Nuts is also disclosed and claimed, and includes: the strip of T-Nuts being formed on a common strip of metal; each of the T-Nuts of the strip of T-Nuts being integrally connected together at a frangible portion with a next adjacent T-Nut; each of the T-Nuts includes a cylindrical bore therein; a mechanism to feed and sever the strip of T-Nuts in endwise fashion, the mechanism includes a positioning member, and an endmost T-Nut being in engagement with the positioning member; the mechanism to feed and sever the strip of T-Nuts in endwise fashion further includes: a cutting blade positioned vertically below the position of the frangible portion when the endmost T-Nut is in engagement with the positioning member; and, the mechanism to feed and sever the strip of T-Nuts includes a shearing ram (shearing inbody) having a guide finger positioned axially in line with the cylindrical bore in the endmost T-Nut and adapted to move vertically from an upper to a lower position to engage the cutting blade with the frangible portion and sever the endmost T-Nut from the strip of T-Nuts. The apparatus for severing a T-Nut from the end of a strip of T-Nuts may further include a guide finger which resides in the cylindrical bore of the endmost T-Nut to carry the severed endmost T-Nut to another position separated from the strip of T-Nuts. Still additionally, the apparatus for severing may include components for inserting the T-Nut into a substrate wherein the substrate includes an opening therein.

The guide finger resides in the cylindrical bore of the endmost T-Nut to carry the severed endmost T-Nut to the opening in the substrate where the T-Nut is to reside to perform a support function in later use. A guide mechanism is located below the end of the strip of T-Nuts and includes a support wall surface to engage the penultimate T-Nut of the strip so as to maintain its integrity with the strip until the penultimate T-Nut is severed from the strip. means for moving the shearing ram vertically between upper and lower positions are also disclosed.

Another apparatus for severing a T-Nut from a strip of collated T-Nuts is disclosed. In this apparatus example, a double acting pneumatic cylinder drives a tool which is notched for engagement with the pawl of the T-Nuts. The tool is notched such that at least two gripping surfaces engage the pawl. Two pneumatic cylinders may be used to engage the strip of T-Nuts, the first cylinder operates from the first side of an escapement and the second cylinder operates from the second side of the escapement. The escapement is the device which feeds and severs the T-Nuts and enables the insertion into a substrate for use. The escapement includes a generally rectangularly shaped T-Nut passageway which enables T-Nuts to be pushed therethrough by one or more pawl engaging tools driven by pneumatic cylinders. The pneumatic cylinders index the collated strips of T-Nuts into a position where they can be subsequently severed under the force of a shearing inbody which is piston driven. The escapement includes a pivotal bottom arm which allows the strip of T-Nuts to be forced downwardly where a frangible or severable portion of the T-Nut assembly is brought into engagement with a shearing blade. The shearing inbody includes a guide (stud) which enters the bore of the T-Nut to be severed so as to ensure separation of the T-Nut from the collated strip of T-Nuts when the frangible portion (weakened portion) is brought into engagement with the shearing blade of the escapement. The strip of T-Nuts, during the feeding operation (the installation operation of the T-Nuts into a substrate), resides in the passageway of the escapement and as the T-Nuts are forced downwardly to be severed, the pivotal bottom arm rotates downwardly approximately the height of one T-Nut. The height of the T-Nut is measured from the top of the flange to the end of the barrel fo the T-Nut. As the T-Nut to be severed is forced down such that its frangible portion (weakened portion) engages the shearing blade of the escapement, the strip of T-Nuts is rotated slightly downwardly. Therefore, there must be some slack in the strip of T-Nuts being fed into the escapement. The end of the coil closest to where the T-Nuts are to be installed must allow for flexibility in the vertical direction. The reason for this is to allow the T-Nuts to advance above the shearing blade.

The another apparatus for severing a T-Nut from the end of a strip of T-Nuts uses a common strip of metal. The common strip of metal includes a plurality of T-Nuts thereon. Each of the plurality of T-Nuts of the common strip of T-Nuts includes a flange integrally connected by a frangible portion with a flange of a next adjacent T-Nut. The plurality of T-Nuts of the common strip includes an endmost T-Nut. The endmost T-Nut is severed from the plurality of T-Nuts of the common strip. Each of the T-Nuts includes a bore therein and a pair of pawls. An escapement includes a T-Nut passageway. The T-Nut passageway includes a first side member, a second side member, an upper member and a pivotable bottom plate. The upper member is affixed to the first and second side members. The hinged bottom portion rotates between first and second positions. The escapement further includes a chamber for severing the endmost T-Nut. A gripping tool is affixed to a double acting piston. The escapement severs the endmost T-Nut of the plurality of T-Nuts of the common strip in endwise fashion. The escapement includes an opening and the gripping tool resides in the opening of the escapement positioned to alternately engage and disengage one pawl of the pair of pawls of one of the T-Nuts. The double acting piston (also sometimes referred to herein as a shearing inbody) forcefully moves in a first direction urging the gripping tool into engagement with the one pawl of the pair of pawls of one of the T-Nuts urging the endmost T-Nut into the chamber. The double piston and the gripping tool affixed thereto retracting, in a second direction, away from and out of engagement with the one pawl of the pair of pawls of one of the T-Nuts of the plurality of T-Nuts of the common strip of T-Nuts. The escapement further includes a cutting blade positioned vertically below the frangible portion of the endmost T-Nut when the endmost T-Nut is in the chamber. The shearing piston resides in the chamber and the shearing piston is movable between a first upper position and a second lower position. The shearing piston includes a guide for interengagement with the bore of the endmost T-Nut. An elastic band member operates between the fixed upper portion of the escapement and the hinged bottom portion of the escapement. As the piston moves from the first upper position to the second lower position, the guide of the shearing piston engages the bore of the endmost T-Nut. The piston engages the flange of the endmost T-Nut, and the plurality of T-Nuts of the common strip rotate the hinged bottom portion between first and second positions. The frangible portion of the endmost T-Nut is lowered to, and brought into engagement with, the cutting surface of the cutting blade severing the endmost T-Nut from the plurality of T-Nuts of the common strip.

The method of inserting a T-Nut from a common strip of metal including a plurality of T-Nuts into an opening in a substrate, wherein each of the T-Nuts being integrally connected together by a frangible portion (weakened portion) thereof intermediate adjacent T-Nuts and each of the T-Nuts includes a cylindrical portion, includes the steps of: feeding the strip of T-Nuts in endwise fashion to a severing position; cutting the endmost T-Nut at the frangible portion (weakened portion) to severe the endmost T-Nut from the common strip of metal; carrying the severed T-Nut to and inserting the cylindrical portion of the severed T-Nut into the opening in the substrate; and, supporting the end of the strip of the T-Nuts adjacent the severed endmost T-Nut being severed maintaining integrity of the T-Nuts adjacent the strip until they are in position to be severed.

It is an object of the invention to provide a coiled roll of T-Nuts which is stable and secure for feeding the T-Nuts into a machine which severs the T-Nuts and places them securely in a substrate.

It is an object of the invention to provide a strip of collated T-Nuts having a flexible connection between each T-Nut enabling the T-Nuts to be rolled up in a coil.

It is an object of the invention to provide a coiled roll of T-Nuts wherein each of the T-Nuts is secured to the next adjacent T-Nut by a frangible portion of the coiled roll of T-Nuts.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a coiled roll of T-Nuts wherein each of the T-Nuts is secured to the next adjacent T-Nut by carry tabs joined together by a frangible (weakened) portion which can later be severed in the installation or separation of the T-Nuts.

It is an object of the invention to include carry tabs between adjacent T-Nuts which are either frangible or include frangible portions thereof.

It is an object of the invention to provide a plurality of T-Nuts formed on and of a metal strip and to provide a frangible portion between adjacent spaced apart T-Nuts.

It is an object of the invention to provide T-Nuts formed on and of a metal strip and to provide various flanges, holes and prongs as features of the T-Nuts.

It is an object of the invention to form T-Nuts on and of a metal strip such that the T-Nuts may be reliably separated and installed in a wooden substrate.

It is an object of the invention to secure T-Nuts on and of a metal strip through use of one or more rails.

It is an object of the invention to provide an escapement and a chamber associated therewith which feed and severs the endmost T-Nut from a continuous strip of T-Nuts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a die press at a first die station in three successive positions in operating on a strip of metal in performing the method of the present invention.

FIG. 1C is a schematic isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as it leaves the press illustrated inFIG. 1B.

FIG. 1D schematically illustrates a die press at a second die station as operating on the strip of metal after it has left the position ofFIG. 1B in the condition ofFIG. 1C.

FIG. 1E is a schematic isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1D.

FIG. 1F schematically illustrates a die press at a third die station as operating on the strip of metal after it has left the position ofFIG. 1D in the condition ofFIG. 1E.

FIG. 1G is a schematic isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1F.

FIG. 1H schematically illustrates a die press at a fourth die station as operating on the strip of metal after it has left the position ofFIG. 1F in the condition ofFIG. 1G.

FIG. 1I is a schematic isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1H.

FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a fifth die station at which the cylindrical members produced at the previous stations are tapped and provided with threads.

FIG. 2C is a schematic isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on at the fifth die station ofFIG. 2B.

FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a sixth station at which the strip of metal between the formed cylindrical members is die cut to produce the heads on the T-Nuts and produce various flange features such as attachment prongs as shown inFIG. 3B.

FIG. 3C is a schematic isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on at the sixth die station ofFIG. 3B.

FIG. 4 is an isometric illustration similar toFIG. 3B showing a slightly longer length of the connected and formed T-Nuts and slightly enlarged for detail.

FIG. 4A is an enlarged portion ofFIG. 4 illustrating the connection between adjacent T-Nuts and the location at which they will be severed at about their ultimate location of use.

FIG. 4B is a plan view ofFIG. 4.

FIG. 4C is an elevational view ofFIG. 4B.

FIG. 4D is an end view ofFIG. 4C.

FIG. 4E is an enlargement of the side portion ofFIG. 4C.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating the length of integrally connected T-Nuts as shown inFIGS. 4 through 4D as wound into a helical configuration for ease in shipping and/or manufacturing.

FIG. 5A is a schematic view of the T-Nuts shown inFIG. 5 in connection with one example of an apparatus to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip and in position to be installed in a substrate.

FIG. 5B is a schematic view of the apparatus ofFIG. 5A severing the endmost T-Nut from its strip and placing it in an aperture in a substrate.

FIG. 5C is a schematic view of the apparatus ofFIG. 5B moved back in position to install another T-Nut from the end of the strip into another aperture in a substrate.

FIG. 5D is a schematic side view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip.

FIG. 5E is a schematic top view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip.

FIG. 5F is a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip taken along thelines5F-5F ofFIG. 5D illustrating the piston (shearing inbody) and the tool for advancing the strip, and, illustrating the endmost T-Nut in the chamber for separation from the strip.

FIG. 5G is a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip taken along the lines of5G-5G ofFIG. 5E illustrating the endmost T-Nut in the chamber for separation from the strip and the shearing inbody (piston) and guide aligned with the endmost T-Nut.

FIG. 5H is a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip illustrating the hinged bottom plate of the escapement rotated downwardly enabling the frangible connection of the endmost T-Nut in the chamber for separation from the strip.

FIG. 5I is a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip illustrating the hinged bottom plate of the escapement returned to its home position supporting the strip of collated T-Nuts.

FIG. 5J is a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip illustrating the shearing inbody pushing and inserting the endmost T-Nut into a substrate.

FIG. 5K is a schematic side view of a coiled roll of T-Nuts wound around core with the barrels oriented radially outwardly.

FIG. 5L is similar toFIG. 5E with the exception being that two pistons are illustrated for urging the T-Nuts into the chamber for insertion thereafter into a substrate.

FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B and 6C are views of another configuration of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6D is an enlargement of the frangible portion ofFIG. 6 which illustrates a slot in the upper portion of the frangible portion and vertical slots on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B and 7C are views of a further configuration of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7D is an enlargement of the frangible portion ofFIG. 7 which illustrates a slot in the upper portion of the frangible portion and vertical slots on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 8, 8A, 8B and 8C are views of a still further configuration of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 8D is an enlargement of the frangible portion ofFIG. 8 which illustrates a slot in the upper portion of the frangible portion and vertical slots on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C are views of yet another configuration of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 9D is an enlargement of the frangible portion ofFIG. 9 which illustrates a slot in the upper portion of the frangible portion and vertical slots on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 10, 10A, 10B and 10C are views of an additional configuration of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10D is an enlargement of the frangible portion ofFIG. 10 which illustrates a slot in the upper portion of the frangible portion and vertical slots on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 11, 11A, 11B and 11C are views of an additional configuration of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 11D is an enlargement of the frangible portion ofFIG. 11 which illustrates a slot in the upper portion of the frangible portion and vertical slots on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the processing of the metal strip.

FIG. 13 illustrates a prior art backing strip securing individual T-Nuts thereto by means of adhesive as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,843.

FIG. 13A illustrates a prior art device illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,843 with wires welded to individual T-Nuts.

FIG. 14 is an isometric illustration of a length of the strip of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein the barrel has a first diameter having a first circumference and a second diameter having a second circumference.

FIG. 14A is a slightly enlarged top schematic view of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 14 illustrating the frangible connection between adjacent T-Nuts.

FIG. 14B is a plan view ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 14C is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 14B taken along thelines14C-14C illustrating interior threads in the first diameter having a first circumference.

FIG. 14D is an end view ofFIG. 14B taken along thelines14D-14D.

FIG. 14E is a plan view similar toFIG. 14B with a frangible connection having a slight underside indentation.

FIG. 14F is an enlargement of a portion ofFIG. 14E illustrating the frangible connection having a slight indentation.

FIG. 15 is an isometric illustration of a length of the strip of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein the barrel has a first diameter having a first circumference and a second diameter having a second circumference similar toFIG. 14, except with interior threads completely through the barrel.

FIG. 15A is a slightly enlarged top schematic view of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 15 illustrating the frangible connection between adjacent T-Nuts.

FIG. 15B is a plan view ofFIG. 15.

FIG. 15C is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 15B taken along thelines15C-15C illustrating a fully threaded barrel.

FIG. 15D is an end view ofFIG. 15B taken along thelines15D-15D.

FIG. 16 is an isometric illustration of a length of the strip of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein the barrel has a first diameter having a first circumference and a second diameter having a second circumference similar toFIG. 14, except with interior threads residing in the portion of the barrel having a second diameter having a second circumference.

FIG. 16A is a slightly enlarged top schematic view of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 16 illustrating the frangible connection between adjacent T-Nuts.

FIG. 16B is a plan view ofFIG. 16.

FIG. 16C is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 16B taken along thelines16C-16C illustrating interior threads in the second diameter having a second circumference.

FIG. 16D is an end view ofFIG. 16B taken along thelines16D-16D.

FIG. 17 is an isometric illustration of a length of the strip of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein the barrel is cylindrically shaped with interior threads in the upper portion of the bore of the cylindrically shaped barrel.

FIG. 17A is a slightly enlarged top schematic view of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 17 illustrating the frangible connection between adjacent T-Nuts.

FIG. 17B is a plan view ofFIG. 17.

FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 17B taken along thelines17C-17C illustrating interior threads in the upper portion of the bore.

FIG. 17D is an end view ofFIG. 17B taken along thelines17D-17D.

FIG. 18 is an isometric illustration of a length of the strip of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein the barrel is cylindrically shaped with interior threads completely through the bore of the cylindrically shaped barrel.

FIG. 18A is a slightly enlarged top schematic view of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 18 illustrating the frangible connection between adjacent T-Nuts.

FIG. 18B is a plan view ofFIG. 18.

FIG. 18C is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 18B taken along thelines18C-18C illustrating interior threads through the entire bore of the cylindrically shaped barrel.

FIG. 18D is an end view ofFIG. 18B taken along thelines18D-18D.

FIG. 19 is an isometric illustration of a length of the strip of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein the barrel is cylindrically shaped with interior threads in the lower portion of the bore of the cylindrically shaped barrel.

FIG. 19A is a slightly enlarged top schematic view of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 19 illustrating the frangible connection between adjacent T-Nuts.

FIG. 19B is a plan view ofFIG. 19.

FIG. 19C is a cross-sectional view ofFIG. 19B taken along thelines19C-19C illustrating interior threads in the lower portion of the bore.

FIG. 19D is an end view ofFIG. 19B taken along thelines19D-19D.

The invention will be best understood when reference is made to the description of the invention and to the claims which follow hereinbelow.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference may be had toFIG. 4 for a quick understanding of the continuous strip of collated T-Nuts of the invention. The continuous strip comprises T-Nuts integrally connected together and spaced apart for later dispensation in a substrate. The integrally connected T-Nuts are formed on and from acontinuous steel strip10. The strip shown inFIG. 4 has been identified by thereference numeral33. Put another way,reference numeral33 identifies one example of the completed product, namely, a strip of collated T-Nuts with flanges and parts linked together by carry tabs and frangible portions. As stated previously, the carry tabs may be frangible or portions of the carry tabs may be frangible. The strip of deformable metal material10 (FIG. 1) has first andsecond side portions12,13 and top andbottom portions15,16 and is fed into a first die station18 (FIGS. 1, 1A, 1B) which is housed inpress34.FIGS. 1, 1A and 1B illustrate a die press at afirst die station18 in threesuccessive positions100,100A,100B in operating on a strip ofdeformable metal material10 in performing the method of the present invention.FIG. 1C is an isometric illustration100C of the end of the strip ofmetal10 as it leaves thepress34 illustrated inFIG. 1B.

The strip ofmetal10 may be made from many different steels of varying widths and thicknesses. Low carbon steels and 300 series stainless steels are examples. C1006-1008 steel, 304 stainless steel, or any of their international equivalents may be used. The thicknesses of the steels varies, but most will be in the range of 0.039″ [1.0 mm] to 0.063″ [1.6 mm] thick. The width of the T-nuts also varies, but commonly the widths are in the range of 0.625″ [15.9 mm] to 1.000″ [25.4 mm] wide. Other widths and thicknesses are specifically contemplated.

The press includes upper andlower platens35,36 which are normally urged apart bysprings37,38 and which press has upper andlower rams39,40 which may be hydraulically actuated to bring the platens together to form the steel strip into the configurations described hereafter.

Thedie station18 includes diemembers18A which act on themetal material10 when theplatens35,36 are brought together as illustrated inFIG. 1A and when they are separated as illustrated inFIG. 1B. InFIG. 1B the initial shapes of the cylindrical configurations of the T-Nuts has been formed and they have been identified by thereference numeral22.Die members19A at asecond die station19 serve to further enlarge the cylindrical members to thecondition22A shown inFIG. 1D.FIG. 1D is aview100D illustrating a die press at asecond die station19 as operating on the strip ofmetal10 after it has left the position ofFIG. 1B in the condition ofFIG. 1C.FIG. 1E is anisometric illustration100E of the end of the strip ofmetal10 as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1D.

Next the strip of deformable metal material is moved to a third die station20 (FIG. 1F) where diemembers20A act further on the cylindrical members to enlarge them further to the condition of20B seen inFIGS. 1F and 1G.FIG. 1F is aview100F illustrating a die press at athird die station20 as operating on the strip ofmetal10 after it has left the position ofFIG. 1D in the condition ofFIG. 1E.FIG. 1G is anisometric illustration100G of the end of the strip ofmetal10 as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1F.FIG. 1G illustrates that the cylindrical members are becoming longer and diametrically larger.

The metal strip is next moved to afourth die station21 where dies21A produce the finalcylindrical shape22C shown inFIGS. 1H and 1I.FIG. 1H is aview100H illustrating a die press at afourth die station21 as operating on the strip ofmetal10 after it has left the position ofFIG. 1F in the condition ofFIG. 1G.FIG. 1I is anisometric illustration100I of the end of the strip of metal as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1H.

The strip of metal with the linearly spacedcylindrical members22C is next moved to afifth station24 where taps28 are provided and are moved axially intomembers22C to provideinternal threads44 thereon and produce the internally threaded members now identified at42.FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B illustrate200,200A,200B, afifth die station24 at which thecylindrical members42 produced at the previous stations are tapped and provided with threads.FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B illustratesuccessive steps200,200A,200B in tapping the internal threads within thecylindrical members42.FIG. 2C is an isometric illustration200C of the end of the strip of metal as operated on at the fifth die station ofFIG. 2B.

The next step in the process of producing the collated T-Nut construction of the invention is to die cut the flanged head construction of the nut and to produce any desired flange or attachment feature. To this end, themetal strip10 is moved to asixth station25 where adie25A, not shown in any specific configuration, but which has a pattern corresponding to the shape produced thereby, producesstrip33 of the finished and integrally connected T-Nuts33 referred to above in this description. Thedie25A takes the necessary configuration to produce T-Nuts as illustrated inFIGS. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19. Other configurations not shown inFIGS. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and 19 are specifically contemplated.FIGS. 3, 3A and 3B areview300,300A,300B, respectively, illustrating asixth station25 at which the strip ofmetal10 between the formed cylindrical members is die cut to produce the flanged heads on the T-Nuts and produce various flange features such as attachment prongs as shown inFIGS. 3B and 3C.FIG. 3C is anisometric illustration300C of the end of the strip ofmetal10 as operated on at the sixth die station ofFIG. 3B.

The finished and completedstrip33 includes the collated T-Nuts which comprise the spaced cylindrically shapedmembers42 which are internally threaded at44 and which have flangedheads50 withattachment prongs46 formed at a position which can be said to be at the first andsecond side portions12,13 of themetal strip10. Afrangible portion48 is formed in the die cutting operation ofFIGS. 3, 3A and 3B and serves to define the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. A carry tab from each adjacent T-Nut of the strip is connected to the frangible portion. The frangible portion is of such thickness and strength to keep the plurality of T-Nuts connected in shipment and when otherwise being moved and handled. The frangible portion is also of a thickness and strength that it can conveniently be severed from the strip enabling installation in its ultimate place of use, for instance, in an opening in a substrate.

FIG. 4 is anisometric illustration400 similar toFIG. 3B showing a slightly longer length of the connected and formed T-Nuts and which is slightly enlarged for detail.FIG. 4A is an enlarged portion400A ofFIG. 4 illustrating the carry tabs andfrangible portion48 thereof between adjacent T-Nuts.Frangible portion48 is the location at which the adjacent T-Nuts will be severed. Carrytabs92A,92B are illustrated on either side offrangible portion48.FIG. 4B is aplan view400B ofFIG. 4.FIG. 4C is anelevational view400C ofFIG. 4B.FIG. 4D is an end view400D ofFIG. 4C.Arrow93 inFIG. 4 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Afrangible portion48 in combination withtabs92A,92B join adjacent T-Nuts together. Sometimes thetabs92A,92B are referred to herein as carry tabs. Carrytabs92A,92B and thefrangible portion48 thereof are used to join the T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate.FIG. 4A is an enlargement400A of thefrangible portion48 which illustratesslot90 in the upper portion of the frangible portion andvertical slots91,91 on both sides of the frangible portion.FIG. 4E is an enlargement400E of the side portion ofFIG. 4C illustratingvertical slot91 in thefrangible portion48.

FIG. 5 is aview500 illustrating a length of integrally connected T-Nuts as shown inFIGS. 4 through 4E as wound into a helical configuration for ease in shipping and/or handling for further processing.FIG. 5A is aview500A of the T-Nuts shown inFIG. 5 in connection with one example of an apparatus to sever the endmost T-Nut from completedstrip33 and position the endmost T-Nut for installation in a substrate.FIG. 5B is aview500B of the apparatus ofFIG. 5A severing the endmost T-Nut from itsstrip33 and placing it in an aperture in a substrate.FIG. 5C is aview500C of the apparatus ofFIG. 5B moved back in position to install another T-Nut from the end of the strip into another aperture in a substrate.

Referring again toFIG. 5, thestrip33 of T-Nuts is wound in a helical pattern for shipment or to be placed on a mandrel in a manufacturing operation of placing the individual T-Nuts into a substrate to receive and hold a support screw in a fastener application. Thefrangible portion48 enables the coil to be wound more readily because the frangible portion is a weakened portion. Because thefrangible portion48 is narrow in cross-section it is easily bent enabling along strip33 of T-Nuts to be wound in a coil. Thefrangible portion48 need not include a slot or slit therein. SeeFIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19. Coils having approximately 1100 T-Nuts can be wound and are stable.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C areviews500A,500B,500C, respectively, illustrating the apparatus and method of use of the completedstrip33 of helically wound T-Nuts shown inFIG. 5. The apparatus includes ashearing station52 and has apositioning abutment53 adapted to engage and position the end of thestrip33 which is driven into the position ofFIG. 5A by anadvancement finger54 which pivots on a torsion spring driven by a pneumatic cylinder, not shown. Ashearing blade assembly55 is located below the end of thestrip33 and includes ablade56, and guidecylinders57, each of which are biased upwardly by springs58.

Ashearing ram59 is positioned above the end ofstrip33 and has aguide finger60 which is adapted to fit into the opening in the endmost T-Nut. The two T-Nuts next adjacent the endmost T-Nut are adapted to fit into and be supported by theguide cylinders57 during a shearing operation by the downward movement ofram59 causing thetab48 of the endmost T-Nut to engageblade56 and to be severed from the strip. Thefinger60 carries the severed T-Nut to anopening61 in asubstrate89 where it is to reside. Theram59 is then returned to the position ofFIG. 5C preparatory to another cycle.Reference numeral81 signifies the horizontal movement of the continuous strip of T-Nuts,reference numeral82 indicates the vertical movement of the continuous strip of T-Nuts, andreference numeral83 indicates the horizontal movement of thesubstrate89.

Another apparatus for severing a T-Nut from the end of a strip of T-Nuts is disclosed inFIGS. 5D to 5J, and 5L.FIG. 5D is aschematic side view500D of astrip74 of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus599 (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut74E from itsstrip74. SeeFIG. 5K which is aschematic side view500K of a coiled roll598 of T-Nuts wound aroundcore597 with thebarrels142 oriented radially outwardly. Thecontinuous strip74 of T-Nuts is easily wound as thefrangible portions148 between carry tabs andflanges150,150 of adjacent T-Nuts is bendable without severing the adjacent T-Nuts from each other. Each T-Nut includes abarrel142, a plurality ofprongs169A,169B,169C and169D, aflange150, carrytabs194A,194B, and afrangible portion148 connected to adjacent T-Nuts.

Acommon strip74 of metal includes a plurality of T-Nuts thereon as illustrated inFIG. 5K. Thestrip74 is fed into anescapement599. Referring toFIGS. 5D, 5E, 5F, 5G, 5H and 5I,strip74 includes a plurality of T-Nuts inescapement599.Escapement599 includes achamber599A where the endmost T-Nut74E is severed.

Referring toFIG. 5D, shearing ram inbody501 shears the endmost T-nut74E from thestrip74 of integrally connected T-Nuts.Guide501G ofinbody501 is illustrated in section inFIGS. 5E and 5G.Guide501G engages the bore of the endmost T-Nut74E in the severing process.

FIG. 5E is a schematictop view500E of thestrip74 of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus599 (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut74E from its strip.

FIG. 5G is a schematiccross-sectional view500G of thestrip74 of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus599 (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut74E from itsstrip74 taken along the lines of5G-5G ofFIG. 5E illustrating the endmost T-Nut74E in thechamber599A for separation from thestrip74 and theshearing inbody501 and guide501G aligned with the endmost T-Nut74E.

FIG. 5F is a schematiccross-sectional view500F of thestrip74 of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus599 (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut74E from its strip taken along thelines5F-5F ofFIG. 5D illustrating thepiston530 and thegripping tool530T for advancing thestrip74, and, illustrating the endmost T-Nut74E in thechamber599A for separation from thestrip74.FIG. 5L is similar toFIG. 5E with the addition of a second piston530A which resides inslot532. SeeFIG. 5D for an illustration ofopen slot531 inside wall503 andopen slot532 inside wall503A. Open slot inside wall503 permits access ofgripping tool530T to pawls/prongs of T-Nuts onstrip74. Open slot inside wall503A permits access ofgripping tool530T to pawls/prongs of T-Nuts onstrip74. Guiding surfaces531S,532S directgripping tools530T,530T alongside walls503,503A and into engagement with the prongs/pawls of the T-Nuts. Referring toFIG. 5F, surfaces540R,541R oftool530T engage correspondingsurfaces540,541 of the prong/pawl.

Gripping tool530T resides inopenings531,532 of the escapement and is positioned to alternately engage and disengage one pawl of the pair of pawls of one of the T-Nuts.Double acting piston530 forcefully moves in a first direction urging thegripping tool530T into engagement with one pawl of the pair of pawls of one of the T-Nuts urging the endmost T-Nut74E into the chamber. SeeFIG. 5F. Double acting piston and the gripping tool affixed thereto retracts, in a second direction, away from and out of engagement with the one pawl of the pair of pawls of one of the T-Nuts of the plurality of T-Nuts of the common strip of T-Nuts.

Referring toFIGS. 5D and 5E,rod530R oftool530T is illustrated. Whenpiston530 is extended in the first direction toward thestrip74 of T-Nuts for engagement therewith,rod530R is in sliding engagement withside wall503 and pivots the arm clockwise when viewingFIGS. 5E and 5F against the force, F, applied by a spring. The spring operates between thepiston530 and a point affixed to the frame of which the escapement is a part thereof.Piston530 pivots aboutshaft530P andnut530N is affixed to the shaft and rotates therewith.Pressure ports530P,530Q are illustrated inFIG. 5E and supply pressure to thedouble acting piston530.Double acting piston530 extends thegripping tool530T in a first direction toward thestrip74 of T-Nuts and into engagement therewith.Double acting piston530 also retracts thegripping tool530T away from thestrip74 of T-Nuts. Force, F, of the spring or other biasing member such as an elastic band, ensures the proper orientation of thegripping tool530T.Gripping tool530T is affixed to a shaft of the piston and is moveable therewith.

Referring toFIGS. 5D and 5E,upper portion502 andside wall503 of the escapement is illustrated.FIG. 5F illustratesside wall503A.Side walls503,503A are affixed toupper portion502 ofescapement599.Bolts502N illustrated inFIG. 5E affix theupper portion502 of theescapement599 toside walls503,503A. Hinged bottom ofescapement550 is illustrated inFIGS. 5F and 5G and fits substantially withinwalls503,503A. Hingedbottom550 rotates aboutpivot504P shown inFIG. 5G.Nuts504,504A shown inFIGS. 5D and 5F secure thepivot504P toside walls503,503A. Referring toFIG. 5D,lower portion507 of the hingedbottom550 is illustrated.Lower pin506 is affixed to the hingedbottom550.Upper pin505 is affixed toupper portion502 of the escapement.Elastic band531 operates betweenupper pin505 andlower pin506 and serves to restrain the rotation of the hinged bottom unless thestrip74 of T-Nuts is under the force of shearinginbody501 as illustrated inFIG. 5H.

FIG. 5H is a schematiccross-sectional view500H of astrip74 of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus599 (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut74E from its strip illustrating the hingedbottom plate550 of theescapement599 rotated downwardly enabling thefrangible connection148 of the endmost T-Nut74E in thechamber599A to be separated from thestrip74.Chamber599A includesplates510,511,511A,512 which form a square in cross-section. Other geometric chamber forms could be used, for example, rectangular, circular, etc. and other geometric shearing inbody forms could be used. The square shape has been found to sever thefrangible connections148 well.

FIG. 5I is a schematic cross-sectional view500I of astrip74 of collated T-Nuts in combination with the another example of an apparatus599 (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut74E from its strip illustrating the hingedbottom plate550 of theescapement599 returned to its home position (first position) supporting thestrip74 of collated T-Nuts.FIG. 5J is a schematiccross-sectional view500J of astrip74 of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus599 (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut74E from itsstrip74 illustrating theshearing inbody501 pushing and inserting the endmost T-Nut74E into anopening558substrate560. After the endmost T-Nut74E has been fully inserted in theopening558, theshearing inbody501 is retracted to its home position (upper position) as illustrated inFIG. 5G above thestrip74 of T-Nuts. Shearinginbody501, when moved from its lower position to its upper position, is then ready for another cycle of shearing and inserting the endmost T-Nut. The shearing inbody501 is driven by a piston (not shown) and the action of the shearing inbody and thepiston530 is coordinated to properly deliver the endmost T-Nut to thechamber599A at the appropriate time.

Referring toFIGS. 5D, 5F, 5G, 5H, 5I and 5J, cuttingblade508 is illustrated. InFIG. 5F, endmost T-Nut74E is illustrated inchamber599A.Frangible portion148 connecting the endmost T-Nut with the next adjacent T-Nut is positioned in alignment with cuttingsurface508C of cuttingblade508. InFIG. 5G,frangible portion148 is aligned with cuttingsurface508C of thecutting blade508. Cuttingblade508 is affixed to plate510 bybolt509. InFIG. 5H, shearinginbody501 is illustrated in engagement with the endmost T-Nut74E pushing it downwardly and, simultaneously, shearing inbody pushes the adjacent T-Nut and the next several T-nuts downwardly against thebottom plate550 of the escapement.Frangible portions148 of the T-Nuts do not break apart or sever as viewed inFIG. 5H. Rather, the frangible portions are sufficiently strong so as to not separate when the shearing inbody (piston)501 engages the endmost T-Nut74E and pushes it down to the cuttingsurface508C of thecutting blade508. The force applied to thebottom plate550 is resisted by theelastic band513 illustrated inFIG. 5D. Asbottom plate550 rotates clockwise aboutpivot504P, the elastic band stretches due to the force being applied to thestrip74 of T-Nuts by theshearing inbody501. Once the frangible interconnection is broken or severed, then thestrip74 of T-Nuts and thebottom plate550 are repositioned under the force of theelastic band513 to an initial or home position as illustrated inFIG. 5I. Referring toFIGS. 5F and 5G,passageway520P forstrip74 is illustrated and is formed by theupper portion502,sidewalls503,503A and the pivotal bottom plate orportion550.

FIGS. 6 through 11, and 14 through 19, illustrate various configurations of the collatedstrip62,64,88,68,70, and72 of integrally connected T-Nuts. All of these examples are made in accord with the teachings of the present invention.FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B and 6C areviews600,600A,600B and600C, respectively, of another configuration of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 6 illustrates a strip of collated T-Nuts62 with an oblong-shaped flanged head with afrangible connection portion48A. The oblong-shaped flanged head is provided withholes63 which provide a secondary support means for affixation to asubstrate89.Arrow93A inFIG. 6 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Afrangible portion48A in combination withcarry tabs94A,94B join adjacent T-Nuts together enabling further processing. Carrytabs94A,94B andfrangible portion48A are used to join the T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate.FIG. 6D is anenlargement600D of thefrangible portion48A which illustratesslot90A in the upper portion of the frangible portion andvertical slots91A,91A on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 7, 7A, 7B and 7C areviews700,700A,700B and700C, respectively, of a further configuration or example of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention with afrangible connection portion48B.FIG. 7 illustrates a further variation in the head shape that can be applied to thestrip64 of collated T-Nuts and illustrates the provision ofskives65 on the exterior of the cylindrical shapes which enable the T-Nut to be more firmly attached to the substrate to which it is applied.Arrow93B inFIG. 7 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Afrangible portion48B in combination withcarry tabs95A,95B join adjacent T-Nuts together enabling further processing. Carrytabs95A,95B andfrangible portion48B are used to join the T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate.FIG. 7D is anenlargement700D of thefrangible portion48B which illustratesslot90B in the upper portion of thefrangible portion48B andvertical slots91B,91B on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 8, 8A, 8B and 8C areviews800,800A,800B,800C, respectively, of a still further configuration or example of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention with afrangible connection portion48C.FIG. 8 shows astrip66 of T-Nuts with a variation in the flange design and withattachment prongs67 of different design than previously illustrated.Arrow93C inFIG. 8 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Afrangible portion48C in combination withcarry tabs96A,96B join adjacent T-Nuts together enabling further processing. Carrytabs96A,96B andfrangible portion48C are used to join adjacent T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate.FIG. 8D is anenlargement800D of thefrangible portion48C which illustrates theslot90C in the upper portion of the frangible portion andvertical slots91C,91C on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C areviews900,900A,900B,900C, respectively, of yet another configuration or example of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention with afrangible connection portion48D.FIG. 9 shows a strip of T-Nuts68 with a still further flange head shape and a slightlydifferent attachment prong69 design.Arrow93D inFIG. 9 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Afrangible portion48D in combination withcarry tabs97A,97B join adjacent T-Nuts together enabling further processing. Carrytabs97A,97B andfrangible portion48D are used to join adjacent T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate.FIG. 9D is anenlargement900D of thefrangible portion48D which illustrates theslot90D in the upper portion of the frangible portion andvertical slots91D,91D on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 10, 10A, 10B and 10C areviews1000,1000A,1000B,1000C, respectively, of an additional configuration or example of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention with afrangible connection portion48E.FIG. 10 illustrates another flange shape for astrip70 of T-Nuts which haveattachment prongs71 similar to the ones previously shown.FIG. 10 also illustrates the variation in thefrangible portion48E which is used to connect adjacent T-Nuts together.Arrow93E inFIG. 10 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Afrangible portion48E in combination withcarry tabs98A,98B join adjacent T-Nuts together enabling further processing. Carrytabs98A,98B andfrangible portion48E are used to join adjacent T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate.FIG. 10D is anenlargement1000D of thefrangible portion48E.FIG. 10D illustrates theslot90E in the upper portion of thefrangible portion48E and thevertical slots91E,91E on both sides of thefrangible portion48E.

FIGS. 11, 11A, 11B and 11C areviews1100,1100A,1100B,1100C, respectively, of the final example of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention.FIG. 11 is a still further variation of a strip of T-Nuts72 which are connected together bymetal rails73 by leaving a portion of the first and second portions of the metal strip intact or in place so that these thin or narrow portions are all that need be severed in putting the T-Nuts in place.Arrow93F inFIG. 11 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Afrangible portion48F in combination withcarry tab99A,99B join adjacent T-Nuts together enabling further processing. Carrytabs99A,99B andfrangible portion48F are used to join adjacent T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate.FIG. 11D is anenlargement1100D of thefrangible portions48F,48F.FIG. 11 illustrates theslots90F,90F in the upper portion of thefrangible portion48E and thevertical slots91F,91F on both sides of the frangible portion.

FIGS. 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E and 14F areviews1400,1400A,1400B,1400C,1400D,1400E, and1400F, respectively, of a still further configuration or example of T-Nuts of the present invention with afrangible portion148. Thefrangible portion148 is a weakened connection which can be easily severed as illustrated inFIGS. 5D-5J.FIG. 14 shows astrip74 of T-Nuts with a variation in theflange design150 and withattachment prongs169A,169B,169C,169D of different design than previously illustrated.Arrow93G inFIG. 14 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Carrytabs194A,194B include afrangible portion148. Thefrangible portion148 in combination withcarry tabs194A,194B join adjacent T-Nuts together enabling further processing. Carrytabs194A,194B andfrangible portion148 thereof are used to join adjacent T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate. Carrytabs194A,194B include the portion of theflange150 proximate thefrangible portion148.

FIG. 14 is anisometric illustration1400 of a length of thestrip74 of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein thebarrel142 has a first diameter having afirst circumference142T and a second diameter having asecond circumference142B.FIG. 14A is a slightly enlarged topschematic view1400A of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 14 illustrating thefrangible connection148 between adjacent T-Nuts.FIG. 14B is aplan view1400B ofFIG. 14.Bores152B through T-Nuts are illustrated well inFIGS. 14-14C.FIG. 14C is across-sectional view1400C ofFIG. 14B taken along thelines14C-14C illustrating interior threads1421 in the first diameter having afirst circumference142T.FIG. 14D is anend view1400D ofFIG. 14B taken along thelines14D-14D.

FIG. 14E is aplan view1400E similar toFIG. 14B with afrangible connection148Z having aslight underside48Z indentation.FIG. 14F is anenlargement1400E of a portion ofFIG. 14E illustratingfrangible connection148Z having aslight indentation48Z. Theindentation48Z is sometimes a consequence of manufacturing the characteristics of the flange

FIGS. 15, 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D areviews1500,1500A,1500B,1500C, and1500D respectively, of a configuration or example of T-Nuts similar to those illustrated inFIG. 14.FIG. 15 is anisometric illustration1500 of a length of thestrip74 of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein thebarrel142 has a first diameter having afirst circumference142T and a second diameter having asecond circumference142B similar toFIG. 14, except with interior threads1431 completely through thebarrel142.FIG. 15A is a slightly enlarged topschematic view1500A of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 15 illustrating thefrangible connection148 between adjacent T-Nuts. The frangible connection is a weakened portion which may be severed as illustrated inFIGS. 5D-5J.FIG. 15B is aplan view1500B ofFIG. 15.FIG. 15C is across-sectional view1500C ofFIG. 15B taken along thelines15C-15C illustrating a fully threaded1431barrel142.Bore152B is illustrated well inFIGS. 15, 15A and 15C.FIG. 15D is anend view1500D ofFIG. 15B taken along thelines15D-15D.

FIGS. 16, 16A, 16B, 16C, and 16D areviews1600,1600A,1600B,1600C, and1600D respectively, of a configuration or example of T-Nuts similar to those illustrated inFIG. 14.FIG. 16 is anisometric illustration1600 of a length of thestrip74 of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein thebarrel142 has a first diameter having afirst circumference142T and a second diameter having asecond circumference142B similar toFIG. 14, except with interior threads1441 residing in the portion of thebarrel142 having a second diameter having asecond circumference142B.FIG. 16A is a slightly enlarged topschematic view1600A of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 16 illustrating thefrangible connection148 between adjacent T-Nuts. The frangible connection orportion148 is a weakened portion which may be easily severed as illustrated inFIGS. 5D-5J.FIG. 16B is aplan view1600B ofFIG. 16.FIG. 16C is across-sectional view1600C ofFIG. 16B taken along thelines16C-16C illustrating interior threads1441 in the second diameter having asecond circumference142B.FIG. 16D is anend view1600D ofFIG. 16B taken along thelines16D-16D.

FIGS. 17, 17A, 17, 17C, and 17D areviews1700,1700A,1700B,1700C, and1700D, respectively, of a still further configuration or example of T-Nuts made in accordance with the present invention with afrangible portion148.FIG. 17 shows astrip76 of T-Nuts with aflange design150 and withattachment prongs169A,169B,169C,169D of identical to those illustrated inFIG. 14.Arrow93G inFIG. 17 indicates the interconnection between adjacent T-Nuts. Carrytabs194A,194B include afrangible portion148. The frangible portion is a weakened portion which may be severed as illustrated inFIGS. 5D-5J. Thefrangible portion148 in combination withcarry tabs194A,194B join adjacent T-Nuts together enabling further processing. Carrytabs194A,194B andfrangible portion148 thereof are used to join adjacent T-Nuts together and enable further processing of the T-Nuts and installation of the T-Nuts into a substrate. Carrytabs194A,194B include the portion of theflange150 proximate thefrangible portion148.

FIG. 17 is anisometric illustration1700 of a length of thestrip76 of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein thebarrel142 is cylindrically shaped142S withinterior threads145I in the upper portion of the bore148B of the cylindrically shapedbarrel142S.FIG. 17A is a slightly enlarged topschematic view1700A of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 17 illustrating thefrangible connection148 between adjacent T-Nuts.FIG. 17B is aplan view1700B ofFIG. 17.FIG. 17C is across-sectional view1700C ofFIG. 17B taken along thelines17C-17C illustratinginterior threads145I in the upper portion of thebore148B.FIG. 17D is anend view1700D ofFIG. 17B taken along thelines17D-17D.

FIG. 18 is anisometric illustration1800 of a length of thestrip76 of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein thebarrel142 is cylindrically shaped142S similar toFIG. 17, except withinterior threads146I completely through thebore148B of the cylindrically shaped142S barrel148B.FIG. 18A is a slightly enlarged topschematic view1800A of the collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 18 illustrating thefrangible connection148 between adjacent T-Nuts. The frangible portion orconnection148 is easily severed as illustrated inFIGS. 5D-5J.FIG. 18B is aplan view1800B ofFIG. 18.FIG. 18C is across-sectional view1800C ofFIG. 18B taken along thelines18C-18C illustrating interior threads146ithrough the entire bore148bof the cylindrically shaped142S barrel142.FIG. 18D is anend view1800D ofFIG. 18B taken along thelines18D-18D.

FIG. 19 is anisometric illustration1900 of a length of thestrip76 of another example of collated T-Nuts slightly enlarged wherein thebarrel142 is cylindrically shaped142S withinterior threads147I in the lower portion of the bore of the cylindrically shaped142S barrel142.FIG. 19A is a slightly enlarged topschematic view1900A of thestrip76 of collated T-Nuts ofFIG. 19 illustrating thefrangible connection148 between adjacent T-Nuts.FIG. 19B is aplan view1900B ofFIG. 19.FIG. 19C is across-sectional view1900C ofFIG. 19B taken along thelines19C-19C illustrating interior threads in the lower portion of the bore.FIG. 19D is anend view1900D ofFIG. 19B taken along thelines19D-19D.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram1200 of processing stations used to make the complete and finishedmetal strips33,62,64,66,68.70 and72. The continuous metalstrip dispensing station1201 dispenses rolled steel or stainless steel which is dispensed to aslack control station1202. The slack control station can be a weight which is slidably suspended from the unrolled steel intermediate the rolled/coiled station and the first progressive die of several progressive dies which form the barrel of the T-Nut successively longer and diametrically larger as the metal strip progresses through the dies. The progressive dies are described hereinabove. After the continuous metal strip has progressed through the last die forming station, a tapping/threading station1204 forms interior threads in the barrel of the T-Nut. Alternatively, a step of forming acounterbore1203A may be employed before tapping threads in the inner bore of the T-Nuts. Still alternatively, a stepped exterior1203B may be formed before tapping threads in the inner bore of the T-Nuts. The remainder of the metal strip is then characterized after it leaves the tapping/threading station by a die cutting station1205 which forms a frangible portion and/or forms specific configurations of the T-Nuts such as prongs, holes, welding bosses, slots and rails.

By specific configurations, it is meant the configuration as set forth in any ofFIGS. 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19.FIG. 4A illustrates one example of thefrangible portion48 intermediate adjacent T-Nuts. Thefrangible portion48 includes a slot or slit in thetop portion15 thereof. Afeed mechanism1206 includes the spring loaded advancement finger which positions the continuous metal strip of T-Nuts vertically and horizontally as desired. From the feed mechanism, the T-Nuts can be either cut using acutting mechanism1207 or a cutting and insertingmechanism1208.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• 100,100A,100B—illustrates a die press at a first die station in three successive positions in operating on a strip of metal in performing the method of the present invention.
• 100C—isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as it leaves the press illustrated inFIG. 1B.
• 100D—illustrates a die press at a second die station as operating on the strip of metal after it has left the position ofFIG. 1B in the condition ofFIG. 1C.
• 100E—isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1D.
• 100F—illustrates a die press at a third die station as operating on the strip of metal after it has left the position ofFIG. 1D in the condition ofFIG. 1E.
• 100G—isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1F.
• 100H—illustrates a die press at a fourth die station as operating on the strip of metal after it has left the position ofFIG. 1F in the condition ofFIG. 1G.
• 100I—isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on in the press ofFIG. 1H.
• 10—strip of deformable metal material
• 12—first side portion of10
• 13—second side portion of10
• 15—top portion of10
• 16—bottom portion of10
• 18—first die station
• 18A—die members of18
• 19—second die station
• 19A—die members at19
• 20—third die station
• 20A—die members at20 (FIG. 1F)
• 21—fourth die station
• 21A—die members at21 (FIG. 1H)
• 22—cylindrical shape at18 (FIG. 1B)
• 22A—cylindrical shape at19 (FIG. 1D)
• 22B—cylindrical shape at20 (FIG. 1F)
• 22C—cylindrical shape at21 (FIG. 1H)
• 24—fifth die station
• 25—sixth die station
• 25A—die
• 28—taps
• 33—strip of finished and completed T-Nuts ready for use/insertion
• 34—press
• 35—upper platform
• 36—lower platform
• 37—spring
• 38—spring
• 39—upper run
• 40—lower run
• 42—cylinder
• 44—threads
• 46—attachment prongs
• 48,48A,48B,48C,48D,48E,48F—frangible portions of strip between carry tabs of adjacent T-Nuts
• 50—flange
• 52—shearing station
• 53—positioning abutment
• 54—advancement finger
• 55—shearing blade assembly
• 56—blade
• 57—guide cylinder
• 58—springs
• 59—shearing ram
• 60—guide finger
• 61,61A—openings in the substrate
• 62,64,66,68,70,72,74,76—strips of finished and completed collated T-Nuts ready for use/insertion
• 63—holes in flanges
• 65—skives
• 67,69,71—prongs
• 73—rails
• 74E—endmost T-Nut of collated T-Nut strip74,FIG. 14,FIGS. 5F and 5G
• 81—arrow indicating movement into engagement with positioning abutment
• 82—arrow indicating upward movement of continuous strip of T-Nuts
• 83—arrow indicating movement ofsubstrate89 leftwardly
• 89—substrate
• 90—top slot or slit offrangible portion48,FIG. 4E
• 90A—top slot or slit offrangible portion48A,FIG. 6D
• 90B—top slot or slit offrangible portion48B,FIG. 7D
• 90C—top slot or slit offrangible portion48C,FIG. 8D
• 90D—top slot or slit offrangible portion48D,FIG. 9D
• 90E—top slot or slit offrangible portion48E,FIG. 10D
• 90F—top slot or slit offrangible portion48F ofFIG. 11D
• 91—vertical slot or slit offrangible portion48,FIG. 4E
• 91A—vertical slot or slit offrangible portion48A,FIG. 6D
• 91B—vertical slot or slit offrangible portion48B,FIG. 7D
• 91C—vertical slot or slit offrangible portion48C,FIG. 8D
• 91D—vertical slot or slit offrangible portion48D,FIG. 9D
• 91E—vertical slot or slit offrangible portion48E,FIG. 10D
• 91F—vertical slot or slit offrangible portion48F,FIG. 11D
• 92A,92B—carry tabs joined together byfrangible portion48,FIG. 4
• 93—arrow indicatingcarry tabs92A,92B,FIG. 4
• 93A—arrow indicatingcarry tabs94A,94B,FIG. 6
• 93B—arrow indicatingcarry tabs95A,95B,FIG. 7
• 93C—arrow indicatingcarry tabs96A,96B,FIG. 8
• 93D—arrow indicatingcarry tabs97A,97B,FIG. 9
• 93E—arrow indicatingcarry tabs98A,98B,FIG. 10
• 93F—arrow indicatingcarry tabs99A,99B,FIG. 11
• 93G—arrow indicatingcarry tabs194A,194B
• 94A,94B—carry tabs joined byfrangible portion48A,FIG. 6
• 95A,95B—carry tabs joined byfrangible portion48B,FIG. 7
• 96A,96B—carry tabs joined byfrangible portion48C,FIG. 8
• 97A,97B—carry tabs joined byfrangible portion48D,FIG. 9
• 98A,98B—carry tabs joined byfrangible portion48E,FIG. 10
• 99A,99B—carry tabs joined byfrangible portion48F,FIG. 11
• 142—barrel of T-Nut
• 142B—bottom of barrel
• 142S—cylindrical barrel,FIGS. 17-19
• 142T—top of barrel
• 1421—threads infirst end142T ofbore152B,FIG. 14
• 1431—threads insecond end142B ofbore152B,FIG. 15
• 1441—threads insecond end142B ofbore152B,FIG. 16
• 145I—threads in upper portion ofbore148B
• 146I—threads completely throughbore148B
• 147I—threads in lower portion ofbore148B
• 148—frangible connection,FIGS. 14 through 19
• 148B—bore in T-Nut,FIGS. 17-19
• 152B—bore in T-Nut,FIGS. 14-16
• 169A,169B,169C,169D—prongs (pawls),FIGS. 14-19
• 194A,194B—carry tabs joined by frangible portion48G,FIGS. 14, 15 and 16
• 200,200A,200B—illustrate a fifth die station at which the cylindrical members produced at the previous stations are tapped and provided with threads.
• 200C—an isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on at the fifth die station ofFIG. 2B.
• 300,300A,300B—illustrates a sixth station at which the strip of metal between the formed cylindrical members is die cut to produce the heads on the T-Nuts and produce various flange features such as attachment prongs as shown inFIG. 3B.
• 300C—an isometric illustration of the end of the strip of metal as operated on at the sixth die station ofFIG. 3B.
• 400—an isometric illustration similar toFIG. 3B showing a slightly longer length of the connected and formed T-Nuts and slightly enlarged for detail.
• 400A—an enlarged portion ofFIG. 4 illustrating the connection between adjacent T-Nuts and the location at which they will be severed at about their ultimate location of use.
• 400B—a plan view ofFIG. 4.
• 400C—an elevational view ofFIG. 4B.
• 400D—an end view ofFIG. 4C.
• 500—a view illustrating the length of integrally connected T-Nuts as shown inFIGS. 4 through 4D as wound into a helical configuration for ease in shipping and/or manufacturing.
• 500A—a view of the T-Nuts shown inFIG. 5 in connection with apparatus to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip and in position to be installed in a substrate.
• 500B—a view of the apparatus ofFIG. 5A severing the endmost T-Nut from its strip and placing it in an aperture in a substrate.
• 500C—a view of the apparatus ofFIG. 5B moved back in position to install another T-Nut from the end of the strip into another aperture in a substrate.
• 500D—a schematic side view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip.
• 500E—a schematic top view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip.
• 500F—a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip taken along the lines6F-5F ofFIG. 5D illustrating the piston and the tool for advancing the strip, and, illustrating the endmost T-Nut in the chamber for separation from the strip.
• 500G—a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip taken along the lines of5G-5G ofFIG. 5E illustrating the endmost T-Nut in the chamber for separation from the strip and the shearing inbody and guide aligned with the endmost T-Nut.
• 500H—a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip illustrating the hinged bottom plate of the escapement rotated downwardly enabling the frangible connection of the endmost T-Nut in the chamber for separation from the strip.
• 500I—a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip illustrating the hinged bottom plate of the escapement returned to its home position supporting the strip of collated T-Nuts.
• 500J—a schematic cross-sectional view of a strip of collated T-Nuts in combination with another example of an apparatus (an escapement) to sever the endmost T-Nut from its strip illustrating the shearing inbody pushing and inserting the endmost T-Nut into a substrate.
• 501—shearing ram inbody which shears the endmost T-nut from the strip of integrally connected T-Nuts
• 501G—guide ofinbody501
• 502—upper portion of theescapement599
• 502N—nut of stud holding upper portion of the escapement toside walls503
• 503,503A—side wall ofescapement599
• 504,504A—nut ofpivot504P
• 504P—pivot of hingedbottom550 ofescapement599
• 505—upper pin forelastic band513
• 506—lower pin locatedlower portion507 of the hingedbottom550 for elastic band
• 507—lower portion of the hingedbottom550
• 508—cutting blade
• 508C—cutting surface of cuttingblade508
• 509—bolt for affixing the cutting blade to plate510 of the escapement
• 510—plate of the escapement/cutting chamber
• 511,511A—plate of the escapement/cutting chamber
• 512—plate of the escapement/cutting chamber
• 513—elastic band
• 520P—passageway forstrip74 withinescapement599
• 530—double acting piston
• 530N—pivot nut forpiston530
• 530T—grippingtool advancing strip74 of T-Nuts
• 530P,530Q—pneumatic connections tocylinder530
• 530R—rod oftool530T which engagesside wall503
• 531—open slot inside wall503 for permitting access ofgripping tool530T to pawls of T-Nuts on strip
• 74
• 531S—guidingsurface gripping tool530T ofside wall503
• 532—open slot inside wall503A for permitting access ofgripping tool530T to pawls of T-Nuts onstrip74
• 540,541—surfaces on T-Nut engaged bysurfaces540R,541R ofgripping tool530T
• 540R,541R—gripping surfaces oftool530T
• 550—hinged bottom of escapement
• 558—opening insubstrate560
• 560—substrate558
• 597—core of coil,FIG. 5K
• 598—rolled coil ofstrip74 of T-Nuts,FIG. 5K
• 599—escapement
• 600,600A,600B,600C,600D—another configuration/example of a strip of T-Nuts
• 700,700A,700B,700C,700D—views of a further configuration/example of a strip of T-Nuts
• 800,800A,800B,800C,800D—views of a still further configuration/example of a strip of T-Nuts
• 900,900A,900B,900C,900D—views of yet another configuration/example of a strip of T-Nuts
• 1000,1000A,1000B,1000C,1000D—views of an additional configuration/example of a strip of T-Nuts
• 1100,1100A,1100B,1100C,1100D—views of another example of a strip of T-Nuts.
• 1200—block diagram of processing stations
• 1201—metal strip dispensing station
• 1202—slack control station
• 1203—progressive dies forming barrel successively longer and diametrically larger
• 1203A—forming counterbore
• 1203B—forming stepped exterior1203B
• 1204—tapping/threading station
• 1205—die cutting station forming frangible portion and/or forming specific configuration of prongs, holes and rails
• 1206—feeding mechanism
• 1207—cutting mechanism
• 1208—cutting and inserting mechanism
• 1300—priorart backing strip1201 securing individual T-Nuts1202 thereto by means of adhesive1300A—a prior art device illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,214,843 withwires1304,1305 welded to individual T-Nuts1302.
• 1301—backing strip
• 1302—T-Nut
• 1304,1305—wires
• 1400,1400A,1400B,1400C,1400D,1400E—views of another example of a strip T-Nuts of having a stepped exterior diameters with a partially threaded bore at a first end portion of each of the T-Nuts
• 1500,1500A,1500B,1500C,1500D—views of another example of a strip of T-Nuts having a stepped exterior diameters with a fully threaded bore
• 1600,1600A,1600B,1600C,1600D—views of another example of a strip of T-Nuts having a stepped exterior diameters with a partially threaded bore at a second end portion of each of the T-Nuts
• 1700,1700A,1700B,1700C,1700D—views of another example of a strip of T-Nuts having a cylindrical barrel with a partially threaded bore in an upper portion of each of the T-Nuts
• 1800,1800A,1800B,1800C,1800D—views of another example of a strip of T-Nuts having a cylindrical barrel with a fully threaded bore
• 1900,1900A,1900B,1900C,1900D-1700D—views of another example of a strip of T-Nuts having a cylindrical barrel with a partially threaded bore in an lower portion of each of the T-Nuts
• F—force applied by a spring totension piston530 andgripping tool530T

The invention has been set forth by way of example only and those skilled in the art will readily recognize that changes to the examples may be made without departing from the spirit and the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (7)

We claim:

1. A T-Nut separating apparatus in combination with a movable common metal strip of T-Nuts having a plurality of T-Nuts, one of which is an endmost T-Nut, comprising:

an escapement;

said escapement includes a T-Nut passageway, said T-Nut passageway includes a first side member, a second side member and an upper member;

said upper member being affixed to said first and second side members;

said escapement includes a hinged bottom portion rotating between a first position and a second position;

said escapement includes a chamber;

said escapement includes a side opening;

said escapement includes a shearing piston residing in said chamber, said shearing piston movable between a first upper position and a second lower position;

each of said plurality of T-Nuts of said movable common metal strip of T-Nuts includes a flange integrally connected by a centrally located frangible portion with a flange of a next adjacent T-Nut;

each of said T-Nuts of said movable common metal strip of said T-Nuts includes a bore therein and a pair of pawls;

said escapement further includes a stationary cutting blade positioned vertically below said frangible portion of said endmost T-Nut when said endmost T-Nut is in said chamber;

a double acting piston;

a gripping tool;

said gripping tool affixed to said double acting piston;

said gripping tool resides in said side opening of said escapement and said gripping tool is positionable to alternately engage and disengage one pawl of said pair of pawls of one of said T-Nuts;

said double acting piston is positionable to forcefully move in a first direction urging said gripping tool into engagement with said one pawl of said pair of pawls of one of said T-Nuts urging said endmost T-Nut into said chamber;

said double acting piston and said gripping tool affixed thereto are positionable to retract, in a second direction, away from and out of engagement with said one pawl of said pair of pawls of one of said T-Nuts of said plurality of T-Nuts of said movable common metal strip of T-Nut; and,

said shearing piston, when positioned in said second lower position, engages said endmost T-Nut forcing said frangible portion into said stationary cutting blade severing said endmost T-Nut from said movable common metal strip of T-Nut.

2. The apparatus claimed inclaim 1, further comprising:

said shearing piston includes a guide;

an elastic band member, said elastic band member operating between said fixed upper portion of said escapement and said hinged bottom portion of said escapement; and,

wherein as said shearing piston moves from said first upper position to said second lower position, said guide of said shearing piston engages said bore of said endmost T-Nut, said piston engages said flange of said endmost T-Nut, said plurality of T-Nuts of said common strip rotate said hinged bottom portion of said escapement between said first and second positions, said frangible portion of said endmost T-Nut is lowered to, and brought into engagement with, said stationary cutting blade severing said endmost T-Nut from said plurality of T-Nuts of said movable common metal strip.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein:

said shearing piston engages and forces said endmost T-Nut into a substrate when it reaches said second lower position.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said bore of said T-Nuts of said movable common metal strip of said T-Nuts is cylindrical.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said bore of said T-Nuts of said movable common metal strip of said T-Nuts is partially threaded.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said bore of said T-Nuts of said movable common metal strip of said T-Nuts is fully threaded.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein said bore of said T-Nuts of said movable common metal strip of said T-Nuts includes a counterbore.

Images